Governor. Woman, I pity thee; now, while our laws
Are strict, yet may our mercy show itself
In staving off the penalty, if thou
Wilt aid us.
Hester. Your mercy comes with hard condition;
For how can I, who stand here helpless,
[top] Aid you who have all power?
Governor. Tell us who is thy paramour?
Hester. That I will not do.
Governor. Thou art most obstinate. What say you now,
Grave councilors? Need we delay the sentence?
Bronson. Quick to forgive and slow in condemnation,
Would be our wisest course in such a case.
The life she hath God gave; we should not take it;
Nor should we banish her, for she is useful,
And with her needle doth assist the poor.
There is provision in our law to fit
This crime when neither death nor banishment
Is proper. It is: [Reading] "Th' adulteress shall stand
Upon the pillory; and on her breast
Shall wear a scarlet letter A, to mark
Her criminal incontinence."
Governor. A good
Suggestion truly; we had forgot the clause
From long disuse. What say you?
Ward. I think it wise.
Arnold. 'Twill be more merciful.
Langdon. A living warning 'gainst adultery.